RDN-929

RDN-929 is an orally administered, brain-penetrant small molecule developed by Rodin Therapeutics (now a subsidiary of Alkermes) as a selective inhibitor of the histone deacetylase (HDAC)-CoREST complex, particularly targeting HDAC2. Its mechanism aims to rebalance neuronal gene expression, strengthen synaptic function, and promote the formation of new synapses. The drug was designed for the treatment of neurologic diseases characterized by synaptic loss and dysfunction—so-called "synaptopathies"—including Alzheimer's disease and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Preclinical studies demonstrated increased synaptic density markers and improved learning/memory in animal models. Phase 1 clinical trials showed that RDN-929 was safe, well-tolerated, brain penetrant, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties; however, further development appears to have been discontinued after early-phase studies[1][2][4][5][6][7].